MacDougall's Russian Art Auctions 8-9 June 2011
8 June 2011
603. SAINTS FEODOR AND ELENA IN A SILVER AND ENAMEL OKLAD
10,000-15,000 GBP
MOSCOW, END OF THE 19TH TO BEGINNING OF THE 20TH CENTURY, OKLAD STAMPED WITH MAKER'S MARK OF YAKOV MISHUKOV IN CYRILLIC, 84 STANDARD.
25 by 17.5 cm.
The icon depicts the Righteous Prince Feodor and the
Empress Helena standing full-length, beneath clouds from
which Christ is bestowing a blessing.
Prince Feodor, was a major historical figure from the first half
of the 13th century and was canonised in the 15th century.
Before his death he became a monk and is therefore depicted
in monastic garb.
Saint Helena, Empress and mother of the Emperor
Constantine I, was renowned for actively spreading
Christianity and for the excavations she led in Jerusalem,
where she found the Holy Sepulchre, the True Cross and
other Christian relics.
The icon is a typical example of an image commissioned by
a patron who was probably from an Old Believer background,
indicated by the Saint’s blessing gesture made with two fingers
and the strictly canonical design.
The icon was produced by one of the top professional workshops in Moscow and is distinguished by the delicacy of the
painting and the refinement of the gold decoration. The style
of the painting is reminiscent of that from the renowned
icon-painting establishments of the Chirikovs and
M.I. Dikarev. The silver oklad, enamel frame and haloes were
made at the beginning of the 20th century in a Moscow jewellers’ workshop. The unusual pointed arch at the top of the
icon and the cool silver and light blue hues of the oklad
against the warm golden tones of the painting impart a special beauty and expressiveness to the image.
Notes on symbols:
* Indicates 5% Import Duty Charge applies.
Ω Indicates 20% Import Duty Charge applies.
§ Indicates Artist's Resale Right applies.
† Indicates Standard VAT scheme applies, and the rate of 20% VAT will be charged on both hammer price and premium.